Bee rules require that no more than 50 competitors can be named to the first portion of finals. The decision is based on correct spelling on stage during Wednesday’s oral spelling rounds, as well as best scores on Tuesday’s preliminary test.

An incoming Bosse High School freshman, Perry won the Tri-State Spelling Bee in March to advance to nationals.

Perry competed in the national bee two years ago, when he tied for 50th.

“We’re still having a lot of fun in D.C. sightseeing,” Sarah Perry said. “We’re going to watch the finals tonight.”

Sarah Perry especially enjoyed watching her son at batting practice at Nationals Park. She said the bee organization hosted a cookout for spellers at the stadium.

"I’ve enjoyed being around all the spellers," Reese Perry said. "Spelling on stage is a great experience."

The last two national bees have ended in ties, so this year's competition has a 24-question tiebreaker test. If needed, the test will be given around 5 p.m. CDT Thursday before the final live broadcast on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. CDT.

To learn more about individual spellers, past winners or rules, visit spellingbee.com.